# Joker (2000 film)

Joker is a 2000 Indian Malayalam-language satirical drama film written and directed by A. K. Lohithadas. The film stars Dileep, with Manya, Nishanth Sagar, Bahadoor, T. S. Raju, Mamukkoya, and Bindu Panicker in supporting roles. The film was edited by A. Sreekar Prasad. The songs were composed by Mohan Sithara, while S. P. Venkatesh provided the background score.
The plot revolved around a broke circus company whose owner has promised his daughter's hand to Babu, a clown who supervises the circus. However, things change when new member Sudheer Misra arrives. Joker was the last film appearance of Bahadoor. The film was a commercial success at the box office.

## Plot

Royal Circus, owned by Govindan, is on rocks. With the help of his manager Khader, Govindan just manages to run the company, though not in a satisfactory manner. All the members of the troupe live as a family, sharing intimate bonds of love and camaraderie. Abookka, once a clown, has turned insane. As he still insists on putting up the make-up and entering the ring, he is caged, when the show goes on. Babu, the favourite of the troupe is the clown of Royal Circus. Abooka has trained him to become the perfect clown. And he has learned the perfect art of masking his sorrows behind the clown's ever laughing mask. He has been there in the troupe ever since his childhood, looking after the other children, especially Govindan's daughter Kamala.
Govindan has always been saying that Babu is to be his heir and is to marry Kamala. And of course Babu, deep in his heart, has feelings of love for Kamala. The movie takes a turn when Sudheer Misra, the young son of Padmini, a former member of the troupe makes his entry into the camp. Sudheer's arrival marks the beginnings of change. He steers the company out of its crisis and gives it a new form and name as New Royal Circus.
Sudheer falls in love with Kamala instantly, but Kamala disagrees to marry him. Babu loves Kamala a lot but is ready to sacrifice Kamala for the good of the troupe and its members. Vanaja, a performer in the team was earlier betrayed by Sudheer. She decides not to let Sudheer ruin the life of Kamala and Babu. Sudheer wants to have revenge on Babu since Kamala loves him. But towards the end, Sudheer decides to forget Kamala and have Vanaja back in his life. But Vanaja unaware of this, creates an accident during the Trapeze, killing Sudheer. Babu and Kamala are united in the end.

## Cast

* Dileep as Babu
* Manya as Kamala
* Nishanth Sagar as Sudhir Mishra/Sudhakaran, Main antagonist
* T. S. Raju as Govindan, Circus company owner
* Mamukkoya as Khader, Circus company manager
* Bahadoor as Abookka
* Mala Aravindan as Kumarettan
* Bindu Panicker as Susheela
* Zeenath as Jameela
* Anitha Nair as Vanaja
* Reena as Padmini
* Guinness Pakru as Dwarf Joker
* Nadirsha
* N. L. Balakrishnan as Usthadu Ranjan Pappa
* Dhanya Menon
* Sreehari as Shekarettan

## Soundtrack

The background score was done by S. P. Venkatesh.
All lyrics are written by Yusufali Kechery except where noted; all music is composed by Mohan Sithara

## Reception

A critic from Kerala Talkies wrote that "A highly watchable film if you like a simple, straight forward story with some good music, comedy and emotions mixed and matched in good proportion". A critic from Indiainfo.com praised the work of the cast and crew.

## Awards
### 2001 Filmfare Awards South

* Best Music Director - Malayalam - Mohan Sithara